Can I winter sow these seeds?

gr8heather(6b)January 27, 2013

It has been snowing all day, there is probably about 4 feet outside, the most I have ever seen here! Annnd... I just learned about winter sowing for the first time today :) So, what can I plant, and when? I'd like to try the following, what is a good idea, and what isn't?

I am not sure of wsing results for all of these, but I direct sow Cucumbers, carrots, and many other veggies. Tomatoes I wait until early Spring to sow as they are heat-lovers and don't need any cold stratification, although they can be sown earlier.

Chives should probably do fine WSing, because I've ws'n ornamental onion (Allium cernuum, nodding onion) and it worked good. Now it reseeds itself!

Sunflowers I go either way, in cups or direct sow - they're very easy to germinate, the problem I have with Sunflowers is keeping them going in the garden! ALL MANNER of pesky critters go after my Sunflowers! 2 years ago, a Robin pulled up ALL of seedlings (not really sure why??). Last year I had 2 layers of barriers around them (hardware cloth and fence wire) to keep 1/2 of them alive! Something chewed the base of the stalks and pulled 1/2 of them over.

Rabbits, Woodchucks, Deer, squirrels...Sunflowers must be a gourmet item even before they make flowers and seeds, LOL.